This preliminary informational (PI) bulletin provides information to dealership personnel that may be helpful when addressing underbody component corrosion with customers.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox have filed 10 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Equinox | 62 |
| 2019 Equinox | 34 |
| 2020 Equinox | 34 |
| 2021 Equinox | 16 |
| 2022 Equinox (this page) | 10 |
| 2023 Equinox | 4 |
| 2024 Equinox | 11 |
| 2025 Equinox | 27 |
| 2026 Equinox | 11 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin provides information on identifying Non-GM Engine Calibrations for Gasoline Engines using the Tech 2 or GDS 2.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin provides information on the harmful effects of ethylene glycol in transmission fluid.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This informational bulletin explains Unscheduled Supplemental Services and the importance of GM Simplified Maintenance Schedules.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This service bulletin informs the technician of an alternate lift procedure that has been developed when the lift plate does not fit the top of the transmission case for 6T30, 6T35, 6T40, 6T45, and 6T50 Transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox powertrain complaints center on sudden stalling, transmission failure, and turbocharger boost issues—all occurring at low to moderate mileage.
Stalling and fuel system: Multiple owners report abrupt engine shutdowns while driving, including one at a busy intersection while accelerating. One owner's FPCM (Fuel Pump Control Module) failure cost $592 for replacement but wasn't covered under powertrain warranty. Despite matching symptoms, that owner was denied coverage under recall 23V013000.
Transmission failures: Owners describe inability to shift gears, sudden loss of acceleration, and transmission fluid loss from a faulty line clamp. One owner at 4,700 miles couldn't shift into any position; another's transmission was destroyed by fluid loss at 75 mph on the interstate. A third has been in the shop since August 9th with unresolved power loss issues and no definitive diagnosis.
Turbocharger/boost problems: Cold-weather water accumulation in the turbo valve triggers limp mode, cutting power on highways and ramps. One owner experienced this twice despite Chevrolet's wrap fix; the latest "solution" requires seasonal installation of a grill bra with 20 clips. One dealership replaced the turbo valve, but the power loss recurred.
Several complaints involve young drivers and are framed as serious safety risks. Owners note frustration with prolonged shop time and unresolved diagnostics.
Same Chevrolet Equinox powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2025
Failure modes owners describe
Fuel Pump Control Module (FPCM) Failure
FPCM failure causing sudden engine stalling while accelerating, without prior warning lights. Complaint #1 had the part replaced at dealership for $592, found ineligible for recall 23V013000 despite matching symptoms.
When: Low mileage; complaint #5 mentions fuel pump issue at purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden engine stall while accelerating; No prior warning lights or error messages; Vehicle coasts to safe stop
Repairs/costs cited: FPCM replacement, $592 at dealership; not covered under powertrain warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: VIN reported ineligible for NHTSA Campaign 23V013000 fuel pump defect recall; complaint #5 had fuel pump replaced already
Turbocharger/Boost Control Valve Icing and Underboost/Overboost Limp Mode
Turbo valve and boost control issues causing water accumulation that freezes in cold weather, triggering low power mode or overboost errors. Complaint #4 experienced this twice (winter 2023/24 and early 2025) despite GM's suggested wrap fix. Complaint #2 had turbo valve replaced by dealer but issue recurred.
When: Cold weather periods (winter 2023/24 and early 2025); complaint #2 occurred at 30 mph in town and uphill on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Low power mode warning and reduced acceleration; Vehicle cannot maintain speed limit on highway; Overboost error and power loss on acceleration ramp; Metal grinding sounds (complaint #3, rental vehicle)
Codes mentioned: Powertrain underboost warning, Overboost error
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #4 had wrap installed per Chevrolet bulletin; temporary fix requiring seasonal installation/removal of grill 'bra' with 20 clips. Complaint #2 turbo valve replaced but power loss recurred; dealership unable to diagnose after August 9th with check engine light present.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chevrolet bulletin acknowledges known issue of water accumulation/freezing in cold; suggests wrap service fix and seasonal grill bra installation
Transmission Malfunction and Limp/Reduced Power Mode
Transmission issues including sudden loss of acceleration, inability to shift, and severe power loss. Complaint #7 shows transmission unable to shift into any gear at 4,700 miles. Complaint #2 describes transmission slip-like behavior and prolonged shop time with unresolved diagnosis.
When: Complaint #7 at 4,700 miles; complaint #2 starting July 20, 2024, in shop continuously since August 9th; complaint #8 at 12,700 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration or inability to accelerate; Cannot shift into gears or Park position; Transmission slip sensation; Slow response to throttle input; Warning lights (some cases)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (complaint #2, #5, #8)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7: unable to shift; warning alarm continues with ignition off, display remains on. Complaint #2 in shop over one month (Aug 9–Sept 18) with no resolution; dealership stated no engine lights/messages on dash prevent diagnosis. Complaint #6 transmission destroyed by faulty clamp; fluid loss at 75 mph on interstate.
Transmission Line Clamp Failure Causing Fluid Loss
Faulty transmission line clamp broke during driving, causing rapid transmission fluid loss and catastrophic transmission destruction at highway speed (75 mph on interstate).
When: 72,000 miles; vehicle regularly serviced at Chevrolet dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid speed loss while on interstate at 75 mph; Sudden reduction in vehicle power; Transmission destroyed
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission destroyed; vehicle stranded on interstate. Complaint notes dealership maintenance records attached.
Engine Stalling While Braking/Accelerating
Engine stalling during braking and acceleration cycles on highway. Complaint #9 reports sputtering and complete shutdown; vehicle will not restart despite neutral-start procedure.
When: Complaint #9 no mileage stated
Symptoms owners cite: Stalling when braking; Stalling after acceleration; Sputtering on highway before shutdown; Will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle would not start after stall; neutral-start procedure unsuccessful
Engine/Drivetrain Noise and Potential Transfer Case Issue
Complaint #10 reports bad sounds from engine and transfer case concern. Complaint #3 (rental) describes metal grinding on metal sound before front suspension failure. These are minimally documented.
When: Complaint #10 no detail; complaint #3 during rental use
Symptoms owners cite: Bad/abnormal engine sounds; Metal grinding noise; Potential transfer case noise
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #3 rental vehicle had 4 prior accidents in same front area per Carfax; note: complaint #3 is a rental vehicle, not owner's 2022 Equinox
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Transmission malfunctioned without warning at approx. 4,700 miles. Upon starting the vehicle multiple warnings went off and vehicle could not be shifted into any position; when attempting to put vehicle back in to Park, would not recognize that it was in Park so the vehicle could not be safely shut off and when turning off the ignition a warning alarm would sound and the display would remain on.…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2022 Chevrolet Equinox?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2022 Chevrolet Equinox?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/Chevrolet/Equinox.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.